Some writers get all the fun: Allan Guthrie and Denise Mina in Trinidad and Tobago. It's a hard life. Although, if you prefer, you could just relax at home with a tribute to Ian Rankin - the Rebus Rob Roy cocktail. Although...whisky, cherry liqueur, martini and lager? When I was five and my parents had a New Year's Eve party, I apparently got up early on New Year's Day, quietly went downstairs to a scene of apocalyptic devastation, ate a few soggy crisps and dried out cheese, pineapple and pickled onion on sticks and poured a few dregs into a glass and downed them. I think I invented the Rebus Rob Roy over 45 years ago. I felt awfully sick. But that might have been the cheese, pineapple and pickled onions. /anyway, I wonder if Ian drank a Rebus Rob Roy in honour of Bonham's auction of THE FLOOD. And I wonder how much it ended up going for.
And, talking about crime fiction authors in exciting places, Alexander McCall Smith goes to the opening of a meerkat enclosure. And a night out with Irvine Welsh and the Jesus and Mary Chain.
Charles Cumming on the cost of train tickets to Scotland for Edinburgh Spy Week.And on spying and writing.
Louise Welsh talks about all sorts of things, including the first in her dystopian crime thriller trilogy A LOVELY WAY TO BURN. And more from Louise here.And a review in the Independent.
More reviews - this time for Val McDermid's re-working of NORTHANGER ABBEY.And another one from girlwitherheadinabook.
Caro Ramsay on inventing an island.
Finally, man hijacks plane with a Toblerone. About as much use as a chocolate sword. And, in other sweet-toothed crime, methinks drugs were involved somewhere along the line.
Enjoy your Easter eggs, dear Reader.
Showing posts with label charles cumming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label charles cumming. Show all posts
Friday, 18 April 2014
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
More Psychogeographic Psychos
Another little outtake from my psychogeographic tour across Glasgow. This is all the stuff which, sadly, can't make it into my essay but which were the best bits for me.
I should say at the outset that Glasgow's East End has a bit of a reputation. It has the lowest life expectancy in Europe, some of the worst gang violence, and it has the horrific Bellgrove Hotel (I once read a brilliant review of the place that said "First class place, close to all local amenities - Barlinnie (jail), Haddows (off licence) and Glasgow Royal Infirmary (nearest A&E department). There is also a lot that is good about the East End. It has a lot of character, some great people, and some excellent community projects. However, the fact remains that it is not a place that someone would normally send a tourist. Hence my surprise when coming back into the city centre on my psychogeographic journey, I had the following encounter.
The bus was fairly empty - a few people at the front and myself and one other person towards the back. Just opposite the aforementioned Bellgrove Hotel a guy got on. He was wearing a San Francisco 49ers shirt and shorts. My interest was piqued. You don't see that very often in Glasgow.
My interest was further piqued when he said to the driver in an American accent "How much is it to get my black ass out of here?" Incidentally, he was not black. He then had a conversation with the driver about not having slept for 48 hours. I pulled out my notebook. I had a feeling this was going to be gold dust for a postmodernist flâneur such as myself. He came swaggering towards the back of the bus, saying "How you doin'?" to various people as he passed them. They all ignored him. He didn't seem bothered.
As he passed me he stopped and said "Girl, green is your colour. Damn." (I was wearing a turquoise coat, he wasn't referring to the colour of my face." I smiled politely. When accosted by the Bus Nutter I try not to speak. It only eggs them on.
He sat down behind me and engaged the guy opposite in conversation with a classic opening gambit. "Women are crazy, huh?" The guy gave the perfect comeback (albeit one possibly fraught with danger) "Ah dinnae ken, pal. Ah'm gay."
It did not stop the American bloke. "How long until we're into the city?"
"Two minutes, pal."
"Two minutes? I bet you £2 it won't be two minutes...it'll be four."
The gay guy catches my eye. He taps his head in the ubiquitous sign for 'we've got a right bugs case here'. I grin and turn back to making my notes.
"So, is it right that Glasgow is the murder capital of the world?" This, in a very loud voice.
"Naw, pal, just Europe," says the gay guy.
The American bloke is silent for a few seconds, apparently taking this in. Then, right behind my left ear I hear "Oh-oh, she's taking notes." I have apparently been rumbled, but continue taking notes, just to pretend I'm not. "I knew this guy once - good looking guy, not as good looking as me though, ya know? So, we're out and I tell him to watch my style, take notes. I hope you're not taking notes?"
I turn round. "No, no, I'm just writing myself a reminder," I say, trying not to sound guilty.
"Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, I love your accent." This is one of the reasons I do not like to speak to the Bus Nutter. "You wanna go for a drink?"
"Um, no thank you."
Of course, it is too late. Me and the gay guy are now in the loop. "You sure? I'm just in from the US and I'm jetlagged, can't sleep, totally wired."
"No, you're OK, but thanks."
"I mean, I know you're a little older than me...what are you? 34? 35?"
"I'm 49."
"49? Man. You're looking hot, babe."
"Errrrr...thanks. I think. But I think that's the jetlag."
He nods philosophically and turns to the gay guy. "I suppose you're waiting for me to ask you out now?"
I ask him why, if he's just landed, he's ended up in the East End of Glasgow. Apparently, someone has told him that the best fish and chips are in the East End and so he had to have some. The gay guy and I tell him he needs to be careful about who he listens to. Eventually, having tried to get me to go for a drink one more time he gets off the bus with a cheery high five for us and a cheery wave for everyone else on the bus.
The gay guy and I watch him swagger off. "Do you think he'll be OK?" I say, worriedly. "Aye. I think it's Glasgow you need to worry about, rather than him."
Anyway, Scottish crime fiction news:
Ooooooh! Paul Johnston has a new book out, and you can read the first chapter of THE SILVER STAIN here.
Val McDermid and a host of other luminaries part of The Library Book.
Alexander McCall Smith's Yuletide festivities.
Guitars and Life reviews Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX.
Sometimes, the brilliant Douglas Lindsay is a miserable ****. And sometimes, he gives us treats.
How do you fancy a nasty story for the 12 days of Winter? Then check out this from Stuart MacBride, with a new story every day.
Ian Rankin at the University of Sussex in January.
A wonderful post from Aly Monroe about Spain's Robbed Children.
Those lovely paper sculptures again.
And, finally, what Glasgow swapped for the new pandas at Edinburgh Zoo.
I should say at the outset that Glasgow's East End has a bit of a reputation. It has the lowest life expectancy in Europe, some of the worst gang violence, and it has the horrific Bellgrove Hotel (I once read a brilliant review of the place that said "First class place, close to all local amenities - Barlinnie (jail), Haddows (off licence) and Glasgow Royal Infirmary (nearest A&E department). There is also a lot that is good about the East End. It has a lot of character, some great people, and some excellent community projects. However, the fact remains that it is not a place that someone would normally send a tourist. Hence my surprise when coming back into the city centre on my psychogeographic journey, I had the following encounter.
The bus was fairly empty - a few people at the front and myself and one other person towards the back. Just opposite the aforementioned Bellgrove Hotel a guy got on. He was wearing a San Francisco 49ers shirt and shorts. My interest was piqued. You don't see that very often in Glasgow.
My interest was further piqued when he said to the driver in an American accent "How much is it to get my black ass out of here?" Incidentally, he was not black. He then had a conversation with the driver about not having slept for 48 hours. I pulled out my notebook. I had a feeling this was going to be gold dust for a postmodernist flâneur such as myself. He came swaggering towards the back of the bus, saying "How you doin'?" to various people as he passed them. They all ignored him. He didn't seem bothered.
As he passed me he stopped and said "Girl, green is your colour. Damn." (I was wearing a turquoise coat, he wasn't referring to the colour of my face." I smiled politely. When accosted by the Bus Nutter I try not to speak. It only eggs them on.
He sat down behind me and engaged the guy opposite in conversation with a classic opening gambit. "Women are crazy, huh?" The guy gave the perfect comeback (albeit one possibly fraught with danger) "Ah dinnae ken, pal. Ah'm gay."
It did not stop the American bloke. "How long until we're into the city?"
"Two minutes, pal."
"Two minutes? I bet you £2 it won't be two minutes...it'll be four."
The gay guy catches my eye. He taps his head in the ubiquitous sign for 'we've got a right bugs case here'. I grin and turn back to making my notes.
"So, is it right that Glasgow is the murder capital of the world?" This, in a very loud voice.
"Naw, pal, just Europe," says the gay guy.
The American bloke is silent for a few seconds, apparently taking this in. Then, right behind my left ear I hear "Oh-oh, she's taking notes." I have apparently been rumbled, but continue taking notes, just to pretend I'm not. "I knew this guy once - good looking guy, not as good looking as me though, ya know? So, we're out and I tell him to watch my style, take notes. I hope you're not taking notes?"
I turn round. "No, no, I'm just writing myself a reminder," I say, trying not to sound guilty.
"Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, I love your accent." This is one of the reasons I do not like to speak to the Bus Nutter. "You wanna go for a drink?"
"Um, no thank you."
Of course, it is too late. Me and the gay guy are now in the loop. "You sure? I'm just in from the US and I'm jetlagged, can't sleep, totally wired."
"No, you're OK, but thanks."
"I mean, I know you're a little older than me...what are you? 34? 35?"
"I'm 49."
"49? Man. You're looking hot, babe."
"Errrrr...thanks. I think. But I think that's the jetlag."
He nods philosophically and turns to the gay guy. "I suppose you're waiting for me to ask you out now?"
I ask him why, if he's just landed, he's ended up in the East End of Glasgow. Apparently, someone has told him that the best fish and chips are in the East End and so he had to have some. The gay guy and I tell him he needs to be careful about who he listens to. Eventually, having tried to get me to go for a drink one more time he gets off the bus with a cheery high five for us and a cheery wave for everyone else on the bus.
The gay guy and I watch him swagger off. "Do you think he'll be OK?" I say, worriedly. "Aye. I think it's Glasgow you need to worry about, rather than him."
Anyway, Scottish crime fiction news:
Ooooooh! Paul Johnston has a new book out, and you can read the first chapter of THE SILVER STAIN here.
Val McDermid and a host of other luminaries part of The Library Book.
Alexander McCall Smith's Yuletide festivities.
Guitars and Life reviews Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX.
Sometimes, the brilliant Douglas Lindsay is a miserable ****. And sometimes, he gives us treats.
How do you fancy a nasty story for the 12 days of Winter? Then check out this from Stuart MacBride, with a new story every day.
Ian Rankin at the University of Sussex in January.
A wonderful post from Aly Monroe about Spain's Robbed Children.
Those lovely paper sculptures again.
And, finally, what Glasgow swapped for the new pandas at Edinburgh Zoo.
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Call Me Irresponsible
Just a quick round-up post today. I've been out giving training all day and this evening we're off out to see The Vaccines. I have a soft spot for them, not least because last time we saw them they came on stage to the Ramones. This weekend's film viewing was THE HELP which I enjoyed more than I thought I was going to.
A review of Anthony Horowitz' new Sherlock Holmes story THE HOUSE OF SILK. It's also reviewed in The Telegraph, along with M C Beaton's AS THE PIG TURNS.
Louise Welsh and Zoe Strachan at Glasgow's Bibliocafe on 2nd December.
Alexander McCall Smith on the portrait of 'False Mary', as writers create imaginary lives for portraits with unknown sitters. What a lovely idea.
Allan Guthrie gets a mention in The Edinburgh Evening News.
Kirkus Reviews best 15 of 2011 (is it that time already?) includes Ian Rankin and Charles Cumming. Talking of Ian Rankin, The Hindustan Times reviews THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD.
Reading Matters reviews Doug Johnstone's SMOKEHEADS. And Auntie Em reviews Denise Mina's THE END OF THE WASP SEASON.
Apparently, once you turn 40 you turn to biographies rather than fiction, economics books are going to be the big things next year (good grief, spare me), and it's irresponsible to read fiction in tough times. Well, call me irresponsible.
A review of Anthony Horowitz' new Sherlock Holmes story THE HOUSE OF SILK. It's also reviewed in The Telegraph, along with M C Beaton's AS THE PIG TURNS.
Louise Welsh and Zoe Strachan at Glasgow's Bibliocafe on 2nd December.
Alexander McCall Smith on the portrait of 'False Mary', as writers create imaginary lives for portraits with unknown sitters. What a lovely idea.
Allan Guthrie gets a mention in The Edinburgh Evening News.
Kirkus Reviews best 15 of 2011 (is it that time already?) includes Ian Rankin and Charles Cumming. Talking of Ian Rankin, The Hindustan Times reviews THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD.
Reading Matters reviews Doug Johnstone's SMOKEHEADS. And Auntie Em reviews Denise Mina's THE END OF THE WASP SEASON.
Apparently, once you turn 40 you turn to biographies rather than fiction, economics books are going to be the big things next year (good grief, spare me), and it's irresponsible to read fiction in tough times. Well, call me irresponsible.
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Mmmmmm...bacon
First of all, thanks for the birthday wishes. I had a lovely day and my birthday is continuing into this weekend, with a night out, the cinema, and a gig (Bombay Bicycle Club).
Outtakes from Charles Cummings' conversation with Dominic West (The Wire) about The Trinity Six.
Alexander McCall Smith talks about manners in the 21st century. And gives an address on why society is broken. The Travel Game looks at Botswana. And is AMS really, really tall, or is that just a really tiny car?
More on the 'lost' first novel of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Culture Northern Ireland reports on the Colin Bateman/Ian Rankin event. And a not so short review of a Rebus short story. And Ian curates a music festival (I want that man's job). He'll be in Manchester on October 13th talking about THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD.
Catch Val McDermid at the upcoming Ilkley Literature Festival.
The Guardian looks at the best writing courses, which includes one run by Louise Welsh and Andrew Taylor.
Crime Central loves Kate Atkinson.
And, finally, burglary gives you an appetite.
And now, I am off to finish my essay on the Big Society and nip next door to cook some of my neighbour's food.
Outtakes from Charles Cummings' conversation with Dominic West (The Wire) about The Trinity Six.
Alexander McCall Smith talks about manners in the 21st century. And gives an address on why society is broken. The Travel Game looks at Botswana. And is AMS really, really tall, or is that just a really tiny car?
More on the 'lost' first novel of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Culture Northern Ireland reports on the Colin Bateman/Ian Rankin event. And a not so short review of a Rebus short story. And Ian curates a music festival (I want that man's job). He'll be in Manchester on October 13th talking about THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD.
Catch Val McDermid at the upcoming Ilkley Literature Festival.
The Guardian looks at the best writing courses, which includes one run by Louise Welsh and Andrew Taylor.
Crime Central loves Kate Atkinson.
And, finally, burglary gives you an appetite.
And now, I am off to finish my essay on the Big Society and nip next door to cook some of my neighbour's food.
Monday, 15 August 2011
Half-mugged on a wet day
An excellent piece on Val McDermid in The Guardian.
A great interview with Ray Banks over at Hardboiled Wonderland, and Ray talks about his favourite short series' here. The young man has good taste - Woodrell, Willeford and Raymond are 3 of my absolute favourites. I'd also add Mr Banks to that list.
You can go to jail as part of the Wigtown Book Festival at the end of September.
If you're in California you can see Catriona McPherson in San Mateo tomorrow and in Davis on Friday.
Helen Fitzgerald wants to buy your kidney.
Sherlock Holmes banned for being anti-Mormon.
The lovely Declan Burke mentions Charles Cummings' THE TRINITY SIX. Talking of Declan, here's a smashing review for ABSOLUTE ZERO COOL (a marvellous book, which you can win here).
Scotland on Sunday reports on the launch of the Edinburgh Book Festival, while the Guardian blog tells you what you can expect over the next couple of weeks, and whether tickets are still available on any given day. The Daily Record has a beginner's guide, and the BBC announces more stuff.
The FT has an interesting article on e-books, including the information that Ian Rankin's Edinburgh iphone app has been downloaded more than 30,000 times.
Ah, how I wish I was going to Bouchercon.
Finally, Glasgow crime decreases on wet days, apparently. Having been half-mugged on a wet day, I have to disagree.
A great interview with Ray Banks over at Hardboiled Wonderland, and Ray talks about his favourite short series' here. The young man has good taste - Woodrell, Willeford and Raymond are 3 of my absolute favourites. I'd also add Mr Banks to that list.
You can go to jail as part of the Wigtown Book Festival at the end of September.
If you're in California you can see Catriona McPherson in San Mateo tomorrow and in Davis on Friday.
Helen Fitzgerald wants to buy your kidney.
Sherlock Holmes banned for being anti-Mormon.
The lovely Declan Burke mentions Charles Cummings' THE TRINITY SIX. Talking of Declan, here's a smashing review for ABSOLUTE ZERO COOL (a marvellous book, which you can win here).
Scotland on Sunday reports on the launch of the Edinburgh Book Festival, while the Guardian blog tells you what you can expect over the next couple of weeks, and whether tickets are still available on any given day. The Daily Record has a beginner's guide, and the BBC announces more stuff.
The FT has an interesting article on e-books, including the information that Ian Rankin's Edinburgh iphone app has been downloaded more than 30,000 times.
Ah, how I wish I was going to Bouchercon.
Finally, Glasgow crime decreases on wet days, apparently. Having been half-mugged on a wet day, I have to disagree.
Sunday, 26 June 2011
The Sunday Round-Up on a Sunday? How novel.
First of all, this weekend's film viewing. We saw THE FIGHTER with the always excellent Christian Bale. Really good film. Then it was a film that was so horrible that I don't even want to mention its name. I didn't watch most of it. Instead, at one point, I rushed out of the room saying "I can't watch this" and went and lay down on the bed and had a good cry. Silly cow, but it was truly horrible. After that, I needed a cinematic scouring brush to scrub my brain clean of that one, so we saw the quirky and touching GET LOW with Robert Duvall and Bill Murray.
I also spent some very pleasant kindle time with the lovely boys and girls from Radgepacket. I read volumes 1 and 2 while travelling on trains over the weekend and most excellent they were too. Reviews to follow. In the meantime, they are both over at Amazon for less than a quid.
And now, on to the Scottish crime fiction news.
The Mutant Bookshelf reviews Philip Kerr's FIELD GREY. And a review of the audio version of Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX .
Congratulations to Alex Gray on her new book deal, and to Doctor Val McDermid.
Chris Ewan's audiobook narrator talks about the Good Thief series.
An interview with Jason Isaacs about his role as Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie.
Finally, a plea - if anyone has any suggestions for either writing exercises or groupwork exercises for both teenagers (from age 15-ish) and adults, please e-mail me! I'm looking for things which are fun and interesting and not too heavy.
I also spent some very pleasant kindle time with the lovely boys and girls from Radgepacket. I read volumes 1 and 2 while travelling on trains over the weekend and most excellent they were too. Reviews to follow. In the meantime, they are both over at Amazon for less than a quid.
And now, on to the Scottish crime fiction news.
The Mutant Bookshelf reviews Philip Kerr's FIELD GREY. And a review of the audio version of Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX .
Congratulations to Alex Gray on her new book deal, and to Doctor Val McDermid.
Chris Ewan's audiobook narrator talks about the Good Thief series.
An interview with Jason Isaacs about his role as Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie.
Finally, a plea - if anyone has any suggestions for either writing exercises or groupwork exercises for both teenagers (from age 15-ish) and adults, please e-mail me! I'm looking for things which are fun and interesting and not too heavy.
Friday, 24 June 2011
Pre-Weekend Peregrinations
An excellent article on Scottish actor Martin Compston (who I would love to have play Duncan or Raymie from OLD DOGS), who's going to be in Irvine Welsh's FILTH which is being filmed in October.
A review of Charles Cumming's TYPHOON, the Morning Star with a reviewlet of Denise Mina's THE END OF THE WASP SEASON, a review of Alexander McCall Smith's CORDUROY MANSIONS, The Guardian enjoyed Christopher Brookmyre's WHERE THE BODIES ARE BURIED, and reviewingtheevidence on Quintin Jardine's GRIEVOUS ANGEL.
Talking of Quintin Jardine, he was able to scatter his uncle, thanks to Kinky Friedman.
Two radio plays from the BBC Radio Crimes series have been released on CD - David Ashton's SERVANT OF THE CROWN and THE PICTURE OF INNOCENCE, and Val McDermid's CLEAN BREAK.
Alexander McCall Smith on Edinburgh's nightmare tram situation (warning - the audio starts automatically).
See Chris Ewan in Salt Lake City on August 13th.
The Washington Independent Review of Books has an audio interview with Kate Atkinson.
A short story by Campbell Armstrong (aka Campbell Black).
Think of me this weekend. I'm babysitting ten 13-year olds. At a pyjama party.
A review of Charles Cumming's TYPHOON, the Morning Star with a reviewlet of Denise Mina's THE END OF THE WASP SEASON, a review of Alexander McCall Smith's CORDUROY MANSIONS, The Guardian enjoyed Christopher Brookmyre's WHERE THE BODIES ARE BURIED, and reviewingtheevidence on Quintin Jardine's GRIEVOUS ANGEL.
Talking of Quintin Jardine, he was able to scatter his uncle, thanks to Kinky Friedman.
Two radio plays from the BBC Radio Crimes series have been released on CD - David Ashton's SERVANT OF THE CROWN and THE PICTURE OF INNOCENCE, and Val McDermid's CLEAN BREAK.
Alexander McCall Smith on Edinburgh's nightmare tram situation (warning - the audio starts automatically).
See Chris Ewan in Salt Lake City on August 13th.
The Washington Independent Review of Books has an audio interview with Kate Atkinson.
A short story by Campbell Armstrong (aka Campbell Black).
Think of me this weekend. I'm babysitting ten 13-year olds. At a pyjama party.
Monday, 9 May 2011
Today it's all about Pulp and Cake
Today was a lovely day. I have delicious new shoes. And I spent most of the day alternately working on the screenplay I've been wanting to finish, and reading Colin Cotterill's brilliant LOVE SONGS FROM A SHALLOW GRAVE. All whilst wearing my new shoes.I watched the first part of Denise Mina's FIELD OF BLOOD on TV last night. For those of you who didn't get it (I believe it was only shown in Scotland), you can watch it here (not sure how long it is available for). It was excellent, and I'm looking forward to part 2 tonight.
More video with Irvine Welsh at PEN World Voices Festival. And, on radio, Val McDermid talks about The Mermaids Singing.
If you're an M C Beaton fan, you may want to make sure that your library has applied for these.
The Tarantino Version - a delightfully nasty little short story from Douglas Lindsay.
Excellent news about a film adaptation of Helen Fitzgerald's DEAD LOVELY. Congratulations Helen!
A review of Louise Welsh's NAMING THE BONES. And Louise Welsh talks about Rigoletto.
An essay by Allan Massie in the Wall Street Journal on Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther novels.
A review of Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX.
Forget all the Super Injunction news, the Scotsman reveals that Ian Rankin eats cake. Shocker.
And, finally, brilliant news - the lovely Tony Black has brought back Pulp Pusher - this time in the form of a blog.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Small But Perfectly Formed Wednesday
Several reviews today. First of all, Mouth London reviews Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG. Next, a great review for Ray Banks' CALIFORNIA, the Washington Post on Philip Kerr's FIELD GRAY and ReviewingTheEvidence on Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX.
Ian Rankin is addicted to Twitter.
Denise Mina and Doug Johnstone (amongst others) at the Ullapool Book Festival from 6th-8th May. And, if you're in Dundee tomorrow you can catch Doug Johnstone in a saloon. Wait, it's a literary salon. Possibly followed by a saloon.
Glenn Chandler talks about Taggart and musicals.
Christopher Brookmyre's speech as President of the Humanist Society Scotland. He makes some excellent points about royal weddings and orange walks.
Ian Rankin is addicted to Twitter.
Denise Mina and Doug Johnstone (amongst others) at the Ullapool Book Festival from 6th-8th May. And, if you're in Dundee tomorrow you can catch Doug Johnstone in a saloon. Wait, it's a literary salon. Possibly followed by a saloon.
Glenn Chandler talks about Taggart and musicals.
Christopher Brookmyre's speech as President of the Humanist Society Scotland. He makes some excellent points about royal weddings and orange walks.
Monday, 25 April 2011
Just Another Manic Monday
This weekend's film viewing - Michael Haneke's FUNNY GAMES. Brrrr. Creepy. And great fun. Haneke is definitely playing games here and it made me want to lock the door and take a long bath and scrub my skin off.
The Guardian enjoyed Chris Ewan's THE GOOD THIEF'S GUIDE TO VENICE. And Chris has some excellent news re a TV deal for the Good Thief series. Wonderful.
The Washington Post reviews Philip Kerr's FIELD GRAY, as does the New York Times. I Meant To Read That loves Stuart MacBride's BLIND EYE, The Trib Live reviews Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX.
JSOnline interviews Ian Rankin. And a great interview with Barry Graham over at Allan Guthrie's Criminal-E.
The National Post finds Alexander McCall Smith pert and punchy. A review of his opera in The Scotsman. And he's interviewed in The Guardian.
A thoughtful piece in the Guardian by Sara Sheridan on how genre and literary writers should just try to get along.
A rather excellent video for Helen Fitzgerald's LETZTE BEICHTE (MY LAST CONFESSION to you and me).
The Guardian enjoyed Chris Ewan's THE GOOD THIEF'S GUIDE TO VENICE. And Chris has some excellent news re a TV deal for the Good Thief series. Wonderful.
The Washington Post reviews Philip Kerr's FIELD GRAY, as does the New York Times. I Meant To Read That loves Stuart MacBride's BLIND EYE, The Trib Live reviews Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX.
JSOnline interviews Ian Rankin. And a great interview with Barry Graham over at Allan Guthrie's Criminal-E.
The National Post finds Alexander McCall Smith pert and punchy. A review of his opera in The Scotsman. And he's interviewed in The Guardian.
A thoughtful piece in the Guardian by Sara Sheridan on how genre and literary writers should just try to get along.
A rather excellent video for Helen Fitzgerald's LETZTE BEICHTE (MY LAST CONFESSION to you and me).
Monday, 18 April 2011
The Sunday Round-Up Gets Later Every Week
Lots of videos in the round-up today. First of all, here's David Ashton talking about Inspector McLevy. Next, a quickie with Irvine Welsh on the filming of ECSTASY. 4 videos of Alexander McCall Smith at the Toronto Public Library. And here's Louise Welsh reading her short story Vanishing Point.
And an audio interview with Philip Kerr.
Talking of whom - Tzer Island reviews FIELD GRAY by Philip Kerr, as does TheRecord.com. Oregon Live reviews Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX. And a couple for Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG. While MmegiOnline reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE SATURDAY BIG TENT WEDDING PARTY.
An interesting article on Denise Mina's work in progress - GODS AND BEASTS.
And, finally, the BBC is coming under fire for sneering at genre fiction during World Book Night.
And an audio interview with Philip Kerr.
Talking of whom - Tzer Island reviews FIELD GRAY by Philip Kerr, as does TheRecord.com. Oregon Live reviews Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX. And a couple for Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG. While MmegiOnline reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE SATURDAY BIG TENT WEDDING PARTY.
An interesting article on Denise Mina's work in progress - GODS AND BEASTS.
And, finally, the BBC is coming under fire for sneering at genre fiction during World Book Night.
Friday, 25 March 2011
It's That Friday Feeling
The latest stage of The Great Russel McLean Blog Tour sees the lovely Russel being interviewed by Steve Hockensmith. And it's great fun.
NPR on Ian Rankin's THE COMPLAINTS.
A look at the new Sherlock Holmes film.
See Iain Banks at Aberdeen's Word Festival on 28th March, Quintin Jardine's launching his new book at Tranent Library on March 31st and Alexander McCall Smith will be at the Fayetteville Public Library on April 8th.
Eurocrime reviews Peter May's THE BLACKHOUSE.
Dominic West talks to Charles Cumming about THE TRINITY SIX.
And, finally, crime writers dominate the list of most borrowed books in Scotland.
The Bookpage would like you to meet Philip Kerr. And The Daily Beast talks to Kate Atkinson about not taking her characters too seriously.
NPR on Ian Rankin's THE COMPLAINTS.
A look at the new Sherlock Holmes film.
See Iain Banks at Aberdeen's Word Festival on 28th March, Quintin Jardine's launching his new book at Tranent Library on March 31st and Alexander McCall Smith will be at the Fayetteville Public Library on April 8th.
Eurocrime reviews Peter May's THE BLACKHOUSE.
Dominic West talks to Charles Cumming about THE TRINITY SIX.
And, finally, crime writers dominate the list of most borrowed books in Scotland.
The Bookpage would like you to meet Philip Kerr. And The Daily Beast talks to Kate Atkinson about not taking her characters too seriously.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Berlin Calling
I've been investigating things to see and places to visit for our forthcoming trip to Berlin - so far my list includes an abandoned amusement park, some mechanical monsters, a cinema in a squat, and a sex museum. Plus I'm wondering how Ewan feels about a tank driving experience. For me, not him, of course.
I've always said that Ian Rankin is one of the most generous people in crime fiction and this just proves it.
A few interviews. First of all ten minutes with Irvine Welsh, a video interview with William McIlvanney, an excellent interview with Tony Black over at Crimeculture, and Craig Robertson talks about RANDOM.
And, talking of Tony Black, he and the equally lovely Russel McLean will be at Cowdenbeath Library on March 17th.
Here's Doug Johnstone in the Scottish Review of Books. And he's having a launch party for SMOKEHEADS (which I've just received - woohoo!) on Thursday 3rd March in Edinburgh. And here's the unofficial trailer. And he's all over the place, the floozy. I'm hoping to make the Aye Write event on the 8th.
Milo of Milo's Rambles reviews Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX.
Alexander McCall Smith's opera - The Okavango Macbeth - has its first UK airing in Edinburgh on 20th and 21st April.
Have a lovely weekend, dear Reader. More on Sunday.
I've always said that Ian Rankin is one of the most generous people in crime fiction and this just proves it.
A few interviews. First of all ten minutes with Irvine Welsh, a video interview with William McIlvanney, an excellent interview with Tony Black over at Crimeculture, and Craig Robertson talks about RANDOM.
And, talking of Tony Black, he and the equally lovely Russel McLean will be at Cowdenbeath Library on March 17th.
Here's Doug Johnstone in the Scottish Review of Books. And he's having a launch party for SMOKEHEADS (which I've just received - woohoo!) on Thursday 3rd March in Edinburgh. And here's the unofficial trailer. And he's all over the place, the floozy. I'm hoping to make the Aye Write event on the 8th.
Milo of Milo's Rambles reviews Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX.
Alexander McCall Smith's opera - The Okavango Macbeth - has its first UK airing in Edinburgh on 20th and 21st April.
Have a lovely weekend, dear Reader. More on Sunday.
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Cinematic Sunday Round-Up
This weekend's film viewing was a real mixture. First of all, we saw a fast paced thriller called LONDON TO BRIGHTON which was excellent, if sometimes very uncomfortable viewing. A low key British thriller which has a prostitute and a young female runaway fleeing London for the safety of Brighton. The first scene has the young girl - her face tear-stained and make-up streaked - hiding out in a grubby public toilet, while the prostitute - one eye blackened a swollen - goes out onto the street to get some money for their train journey. Right from the start I knew this wasn't going to be easy viewing. And it wasn't. It was brutal, hard-hitting and pretty bloody grim, but not unrelentingly so. Good job we watched it at home, since I cried. The acting was excellent - particularly from the actress playing the runaway (Georgia Groome). If you do see the film, watch the outtakes - it lightens the mood and makes you remember it's just a film.
On Saturday it was off to the Glasgow Film Festival to see two films. The first of these was ATTENBERG - a Greek film from the same director as the weird and wonderful DOGTOOTH. It's about a naive young woman - Marina - who tries to make sense of the world around her by watching the animal documentaries of David Attenborough and listening to the band Suicide. She has one friend - Bella - who she practises kissing with, as well as spitting out of windows and doing weird walks. The only other characters are Marina's father, who's dying of cancer, and a man visiting the town who Marina drives around. I quite liked bits of it but there were a lot of scenes that seemed pointless and only there for padding. There was no real plot, and not enough other stuff to replace a plot, if that makes sense. It doesn't have enough soul. OK, but not as good as Dogtooth.
The second film was an altogether much more satisfying experience - a Danish film called NOTHING'S ALL BAD. Like Attenberg, it focuses on four main characters - each of them has their own problems, all of them have experienced pain and their wounds are raw - be they physical, psychological or emotional, all of them are lonely and isolated, and all of them have needs and desires. Their stories really draw you in, and none of them are as you expect. Funny, touching, sad, compelling, witty, understated. It's sometimes shocking, sometimes grim, sometimes hilarious - I really loved this film. Dad - it's not one for Mum. There's a fair bit of sex in it. In fact, you'd better not watch it either.
Onto the crime fiction news. Loads of reviews today. First of all, Publisher's Weekly review Gerald Hammond's ILLEGAL TENDER, oneregard enjoyed Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG and The Guardian liked Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX, relishing the 'tweedy warmth of an old school spy thriller'
Peter May is getting lots of ink - both print and virtual. Lovereading reviews THE BLACKHOUSE, as does The Scotsman, while the LitWitch reviews BLOWBACK.
The Scotsman has an article on Gordon Ferris' THE HANGING SHED - apparently a Kindle hit. I downloaded it to my lovely new Kindle last week and am looking forward to reading it.
Join The Pelican Post for An Afternoon With Alexander McCall Smith on March 3rd. And Itchy Coo, publishers of Alexander McCall Smith's Scots language books, are to close.
Talking of events, I was gutted to discover that both Women On The Dark Side events at Aye Write, with Karen Campbell, Denise Mina, Caro Ramsay, Louise Welsh, Alice Thompson and Alex Gray are sold out. However, on the plus side, my friend Twenty-Seven and I have tickets for this event with Allan Guthrie, Denise Mina and Louise Welsh, and I'm hoping to go to this one with Doug Johnstone.
On Saturday it was off to the Glasgow Film Festival to see two films. The first of these was ATTENBERG - a Greek film from the same director as the weird and wonderful DOGTOOTH. It's about a naive young woman - Marina - who tries to make sense of the world around her by watching the animal documentaries of David Attenborough and listening to the band Suicide. She has one friend - Bella - who she practises kissing with, as well as spitting out of windows and doing weird walks. The only other characters are Marina's father, who's dying of cancer, and a man visiting the town who Marina drives around. I quite liked bits of it but there were a lot of scenes that seemed pointless and only there for padding. There was no real plot, and not enough other stuff to replace a plot, if that makes sense. It doesn't have enough soul. OK, but not as good as Dogtooth.
The second film was an altogether much more satisfying experience - a Danish film called NOTHING'S ALL BAD. Like Attenberg, it focuses on four main characters - each of them has their own problems, all of them have experienced pain and their wounds are raw - be they physical, psychological or emotional, all of them are lonely and isolated, and all of them have needs and desires. Their stories really draw you in, and none of them are as you expect. Funny, touching, sad, compelling, witty, understated. It's sometimes shocking, sometimes grim, sometimes hilarious - I really loved this film. Dad - it's not one for Mum. There's a fair bit of sex in it. In fact, you'd better not watch it either.
Onto the crime fiction news. Loads of reviews today. First of all, Publisher's Weekly review Gerald Hammond's ILLEGAL TENDER, oneregard enjoyed Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG and The Guardian liked Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX, relishing the 'tweedy warmth of an old school spy thriller'
Peter May is getting lots of ink - both print and virtual. Lovereading reviews THE BLACKHOUSE, as does The Scotsman, while the LitWitch reviews BLOWBACK.
The Scotsman has an article on Gordon Ferris' THE HANGING SHED - apparently a Kindle hit. I downloaded it to my lovely new Kindle last week and am looking forward to reading it.
Join The Pelican Post for An Afternoon With Alexander McCall Smith on March 3rd. And Itchy Coo, publishers of Alexander McCall Smith's Scots language books, are to close.
Talking of events, I was gutted to discover that both Women On The Dark Side events at Aye Write, with Karen Campbell, Denise Mina, Caro Ramsay, Louise Welsh, Alice Thompson and Alex Gray are sold out. However, on the plus side, my friend Twenty-Seven and I have tickets for this event with Allan Guthrie, Denise Mina and Louise Welsh, and I'm hoping to go to this one with Doug Johnstone.
Friday, 18 February 2011
That Friday Feeling
Several Scottish crime fiction events on World Book Night. Apart from the Aye Write events, Christopher Brookmyre is in Perth, while Karen Campbell, Helen Fitzgerald and errrr...me...are at the wonderful Glasgow Women's Library in the evening. More details on that as I have them.
Talking of World Book Night, here's a reminder of Alternative World Book Night. All you need to do is recommend a book you wish was better known, and give a copy away (and let me know you're in so I can list it here at Badsville).
Charles Cumming on espionage.
The Oxford Times reviews Val McDermid's TRICK OF THE DARK.
Alex Gray, Tony Black and Gordon Brown get tips from the inmates of the Bar-L. Great article.
Alexander McCall Smith at the Fayetteville Public Library on April 8th.
Scots are being urged to show support for their local library.
And, finally, some spooky Edinburgh tours.
Have a lovely weekend, dear Reader.
Talking of World Book Night, here's a reminder of Alternative World Book Night. All you need to do is recommend a book you wish was better known, and give a copy away (and let me know you're in so I can list it here at Badsville).
Charles Cumming on espionage.
The Oxford Times reviews Val McDermid's TRICK OF THE DARK.
Alex Gray, Tony Black and Gordon Brown get tips from the inmates of the Bar-L. Great article.
Alexander McCall Smith at the Fayetteville Public Library on April 8th.
Scots are being urged to show support for their local library.
And, finally, some spooky Edinburgh tours.
Have a lovely weekend, dear Reader.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Crimefest , Battles and Strippers
The Crimefest programme is up. Look at my lovely panelists. Despite the fact that being on a panel makes me physically sick, I'm excited to be asking all these lovely people questions.
At 11.20 am on Friday
I Was A Male Warbride: Confessions Of A Crime Fiction Author
Monkey Business: When Mischievous Crosses Over Into Deceitful Behaviour
My Favourite Books blog on Craig Robertson's RANDOM. And a eview of Philip Kerr's FIELD GREY.
An interview with Charles Cumming.
And Peter May talks about his latest book THE BLACKHOUSE.
Alexander McCall Smith and the Battle for Prestonpans.
And, finally, I'm definitely writing a story about this one. One thing strikes me though - she must have either big garters or fat legs to fit that amount of money in (I'm assuming it wasn't in $100 bills).
At 11.20 am on Friday
I Was A Male Warbride: Confessions Of A Crime Fiction Author
- Chris Ewan
- Helen Fitzgerald
- Douglas Lindsay
- Steve Mosby
- Moderator: Donna Moore
Monkey Business: When Mischievous Crosses Over Into Deceitful Behaviour
- Colin Bateman
- Colin Cotterill
- Chris Ewan
- L.C. Tyler
- Moderator: Donna Moore
My Favourite Books blog on Craig Robertson's RANDOM. And a eview of Philip Kerr's FIELD GREY.
An interview with Charles Cumming.
And Peter May talks about his latest book THE BLACKHOUSE.
Alexander McCall Smith and the Battle for Prestonpans.
And, finally, I'm definitely writing a story about this one. One thing strikes me though - she must have either big garters or fat legs to fit that amount of money in (I'm assuming it wasn't in $100 bills).
Monday, 31 January 2011
Sunday Summary and Monday Winner
First of all, thank you for the good wishes! Back from a weekend in Bristol where we finalised the programme for Crimefest without too much stress (mine) and pain (Adrian's). Lots of great authors going and I'm really looking forward to it.
An excellent article in the music magazine Hot Press in which Doug Johnstone talks whisky and crime fiction. And here is his list of forthcoming events. I can't wait to get my hands on SMOKEHEADS.
Read 'Em, Don't Weep reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE CHARMING QUIRKS OF OTHERS, PhiloBiblos with a few words for Charles Cummings' THE TRINITY SIX - which gets a few more words in The Scotsman, and Paul Brazill with a small but perfectly formed review of the small but perfectly formed KILLING MUM by Allan Guthrie.
Alexander McCall Smith talks to the Mail Online.
Over at Travelling Booky, a run down of M C Beaton's Hamish MacBeth mysteries.
The Museum of The Macabre talks about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the History of Spiritualism.
Philip Kerr will be appearing in Toronto on April 20th.
And, finally, after putting all the names in my favourite pair of Docs, the winner of Tony Black's TRUTH LIES BLEEDING is Janet. Janet - if you send me your address I'll forward it to the lovely people at Random House.
An excellent article in the music magazine Hot Press in which Doug Johnstone talks whisky and crime fiction. And here is his list of forthcoming events. I can't wait to get my hands on SMOKEHEADS.
Read 'Em, Don't Weep reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE CHARMING QUIRKS OF OTHERS, PhiloBiblos with a few words for Charles Cummings' THE TRINITY SIX - which gets a few more words in The Scotsman, and Paul Brazill with a small but perfectly formed review of the small but perfectly formed KILLING MUM by Allan Guthrie.
Alexander McCall Smith talks to the Mail Online.
Over at Travelling Booky, a run down of M C Beaton's Hamish MacBeth mysteries.
The Museum of The Macabre talks about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the History of Spiritualism.
Philip Kerr will be appearing in Toronto on April 20th.
And, finally, after putting all the names in my favourite pair of Docs, the winner of Tony Black's TRUTH LIES BLEEDING is Janet. Janet - if you send me your address I'll forward it to the lovely people at Random House.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
"Like a lepidopterist mounting a tough-skinned insect with a too blunt pin"
The bad sex in fiction award has been...errrr...awarded.
A few days left to listen to Ian Rankin's favourite music of 2010. And Rebus' favourite pub is named as one of the Famous 100. While the pub featured in Trainspotting is up for a Pub Oscar.
News from Douglas Lindsay's blog that he's started work on a new non-Barney Thompson crime novel. Excellent news.
Charles Cumming in conversation with Dominic West.
A review of M C Beaton's DEATH OF A CHIMNEY SWEEP, the Washington Times reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE CHARMING QUIRKS OF OTHERS, and Laura Wilson in The Guardian reviews Aline Templeton's CRADLE TO GRAVE.
And a couple of reviews for Philip Kerr - one for A QUIET FLAME, and one for THE ONE FROM THE OTHER. And the man himself talks about writing, his office and yoga on the Sky Arts Book Show.
Jane Hammons goes to Bouchercon to see Kate Atkinson.
New Zealander Andrew Porteous wins an international publishing competition with his book A POLITICAL AFFAIR, about a half-Maori, half-Scottish detective. Congratulations, Andrew.
The lovely people at Five Leaves on Scotland's apparent shortage of names - citing both Russel McLean and the newly signed up Michael Malone as examples.
A few days left to listen to Ian Rankin's favourite music of 2010. And Rebus' favourite pub is named as one of the Famous 100. While the pub featured in Trainspotting is up for a Pub Oscar.
News from Douglas Lindsay's blog that he's started work on a new non-Barney Thompson crime novel. Excellent news.
Charles Cumming in conversation with Dominic West.
A review of M C Beaton's DEATH OF A CHIMNEY SWEEP, the Washington Times reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE CHARMING QUIRKS OF OTHERS, and Laura Wilson in The Guardian reviews Aline Templeton's CRADLE TO GRAVE.
And a couple of reviews for Philip Kerr - one for A QUIET FLAME, and one for THE ONE FROM THE OTHER. And the man himself talks about writing, his office and yoga on the Sky Arts Book Show.
Jane Hammons goes to Bouchercon to see Kate Atkinson.
New Zealander Andrew Porteous wins an international publishing competition with his book A POLITICAL AFFAIR, about a half-Maori, half-Scottish detective. Congratulations, Andrew.
The lovely people at Five Leaves on Scotland's apparent shortage of names - citing both Russel McLean and the newly signed up Michael Malone as examples.
Friday, 16 July 2010
Those Scots Get Everywhere
A nice review of Ian Rankin's BLOOD HUNT. And here's the man himself on video talking about DOORS OPEN.
Everyone seems to be reading Kate Atkinson recently. The rather wonderfully named Biblio's Bloggins loves Kate Atkinson's CASE HISTORIES. And the equally marvellously named Tallulah Mankiller reviews WHEN WILL THERE BE GOOD NEWS and there's another review here. And a final one here.
A nice wee write up for the marvellous LONG TIME DEAD by Tony Black. Novel Readings enjoyed Denise Mina's FIELD OF BLOOD and a review of Nicola Upson's AN EXPERT IN MURDER which features crime writer Josephine Tey as the sleuth.
Talking of Denise Mina, here's an excellent video of her talking at Uddingston Library.
Charles Cumming talks about spies.
Val McDermid is appearing at the Melbourne Writers' Festival at the end of August, along with some other British crime fiction writers.
Campbell Armstrong takes Glasgow detective Lou Perlman to San Francisco.
More on the Unbound strand at the Edinburgh Book Festival.
Finally, Scotland's double-decker dead.
And finally finally...that Ramones anthology - Alistair made the brilliant suggestion of having all stories kept under 600 words to reflect the fact that Ramones songs are very short - brilliant idea.
Everyone seems to be reading Kate Atkinson recently. The rather wonderfully named Biblio's Bloggins loves Kate Atkinson's CASE HISTORIES. And the equally marvellously named Tallulah Mankiller reviews WHEN WILL THERE BE GOOD NEWS and there's another review here. And a final one here.
A nice wee write up for the marvellous LONG TIME DEAD by Tony Black. Novel Readings enjoyed Denise Mina's FIELD OF BLOOD and a review of Nicola Upson's AN EXPERT IN MURDER which features crime writer Josephine Tey as the sleuth.
Talking of Denise Mina, here's an excellent video of her talking at Uddingston Library.
Charles Cumming talks about spies.
Val McDermid is appearing at the Melbourne Writers' Festival at the end of August, along with some other British crime fiction writers.
Campbell Armstrong takes Glasgow detective Lou Perlman to San Francisco.
More on the Unbound strand at the Edinburgh Book Festival.
Finally, Scotland's double-decker dead.
And finally finally...that Ramones anthology - Alistair made the brilliant suggestion of having all stories kept under 600 words to reflect the fact that Ramones songs are very short - brilliant idea.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Teeny Tiny Truncated Sunday Summary
A very brief post tonight as I am just back from seeing Christopher Brookmyre and Karen Campbell at Aye Write, plus dinner at Red Onion with my lovely friend Kieran. Reports to follow (not of the dinner - although if you must know I had crayfish, followed by duck, topped off with frozen raspberries in hot white chocolate, all helped down with a nice glass of Italian pinot grigio - mmmmm). In the meantime, a few linkety-links.
Talking of Christopher Brookmyre, a very thoughtful review of Pandaemonium from the wonderfully named blog Detained in Camp Miserable (Google Alerts lead me to some marvellous places I would never otherwise find).
The Times of India on Ian Rankin's THE COMPLAINTS.
More from The Guardian on the most borrowed books of 2009. And here's the actual list of the top 250. Nice to see all that crime fiction.
I missed this for Valentine's Day but it's still a good read. Included because of the mention of Ken McClure (and because it's fun, and that's all the excuse I need).
Charles Cumming on espionage.
Manda Scott on growing up preferring animals to people.
A review of Denise Mina's EXILE from the intriguingly named blog Slate Floor Tiles. I have no idea why it's called that. Is the owner a slate floor tile lover? Seller? Or indeed, a slate floor tile him- or herself?
And finally, I for one am most happy to see that Mr Ray 'Kuncklebuster' Banks will be at Harrogate this year. And what a fine panel it sounds too. If Ray's appearance wasn't enough it also has two of my favourites - Martyn Waites and Charlie Williams.
Talking of Christopher Brookmyre, a very thoughtful review of Pandaemonium from the wonderfully named blog Detained in Camp Miserable (Google Alerts lead me to some marvellous places I would never otherwise find).
The Times of India on Ian Rankin's THE COMPLAINTS.
More from The Guardian on the most borrowed books of 2009. And here's the actual list of the top 250. Nice to see all that crime fiction.
I missed this for Valentine's Day but it's still a good read. Included because of the mention of Ken McClure (and because it's fun, and that's all the excuse I need).
Charles Cumming on espionage.
Manda Scott on growing up preferring animals to people.
A review of Denise Mina's EXILE from the intriguingly named blog Slate Floor Tiles. I have no idea why it's called that. Is the owner a slate floor tile lover? Seller? Or indeed, a slate floor tile him- or herself?
And finally, I for one am most happy to see that Mr Ray 'Kuncklebuster' Banks will be at Harrogate this year. And what a fine panel it sounds too. If Ray's appearance wasn't enough it also has two of my favourites - Martyn Waites and Charlie Williams.
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